Updating content URL for non-linear video content

ABSTRACT

Dynamic uniform resource locator (URL) transmission may be provided for allowing a user to view a non-linear video content item along with additional content in order to provide a richer and deeper viewing experience giving more control to the user during video viewing. An indication may be provided to the user indicating the availability of additional interactive content associated with the non-linear video in a variety of different ways. Upon user request, the content associated with the URL may be updated or historic content presented to the user in order to present the non-linear video content combined with the additional content in a hybrid fashion. The transmitted URL may be static, or the URL may be dynamically updated based on one or more factors, such as time of day or action by the user or content provider.

BACKGROUND

Video consumers today have embraced the interactive TV system whichoffers a completely unique and enjoyable experience. Growing numbers ofconsumers choose viewing content via streaming alternatives because theylike more control over the video content. In addition, the way peopleuse devices while accessing content is also changing as“multi-screening” or the use of multiple screens simultaneously hasbecome a new norm. More consumers use a second device in some capacitywhile watching television. This media multitasking may be great forconsumers, but with people dividing their attention between screens, thepressure may be increased on advertisers, content creators, contentproviders etc., to create compelling, engaging viewing experiences thatspan devices and content delivery systems. Additionally, in-streamadvertising holds the potential to tell advertisers when and whetherviewers consumed a content item, whether they followed through onembedded calls-to-action, and so forth. This may require taking aholistic approach to the content strategy, adjusting advertising to fitthe consumer's multi-screen behavior, and the context of how theconsumers use each device.

It is with respect to these and other considerations that the presentinvention has been made.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide for replacing and/orupdating content URL for non-linear video across one or more devices.Dynamic uniform resource locator (URL) insertion/transmission may beprovided for allowing a user to view a non-linear video content itemalong with additional content in order to provide a richer and deeperviewing experience giving more control to the user during video viewing.Non-linear video content comprises digital video recording (DVR)recordings and Video on Demand (VOD) content. An indication may beprovided as to the availability of additional interactive contentassociated with the non-linear video in a variety of different ways, forexample, display of an icon overlaid on a viewing guide user interface,a menu option, a folder with a list view of non-linear video contentitems with associated additional interactive content, and the like. Uponuser request, the content associated with the URL may be presented tothe user in order to present the non-linear video content combined withthe additional content in a hybrid fashion. The transmitted URL may bestatic, or the URL may be dynamically updated based on one or morefactors, such as time of day, content (additional content available orvideo content being played), or action by the user or content provider.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and description below. Other features and advantages will beapparent from a reading of the following detailed description and areview of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that thefollowing detailed description is explanatory only and is notrestrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a system for replacing and/orupdating content URL for non-linear video across one or more devices.

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a DVR user interface wherein theapplication may indicate the availability of interactive content.

FIG. 2B is an illustration of a VOD user interface wherein theapplication may indicate the availability of interactive content.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a traditional full screen non-linearvideo, displayed on a device.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of a user interface displayed on devicewherein the video content is being delivered in a hybrid fashion alongwith the additional interactive content.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a user interface displayed on devicewherein an advertisement is being delivered in a hybrid fashion alongwith the additional interactive content for the advertisementprovider(s).

FIG. 5A is a flow chart of a method for replacing and/or updatingcontent URL for non-linear DVR video recordings across one or moredevices

FIG. 5B is a flow chart of a method for replacing and/or updatingcontent URL for non-linear VOD content across one or more devices.

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a cable televisionservices system architecture providing an operating environmentaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram illustrating example physicalcomponents of a computing device with which embodiments may bepracticed.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a suitable mobile computing environment withwhich embodiments may be practiced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As briefly described above, embodiments provide for replacing andupdating content URL for non-linear video across one or more devices.Dynamic uniform resource locator (URL) insertion/transmission may beprovided for allowing a user to view a non-linear video content itemalong with additional content in order to provide a richer and deeperviewing experience giving more control to the user during video viewing.An indication may be provided to the user indicating the availability ofadditional or updated interactive content associated with the non-linearvideo in a variety of different ways, for example, display of an iconoverlaid on a viewing guide user interface, a menu option, a folder witha list view of non-linear video content items with associated additionalinteractive content, and the like. Upon user request, the contentassociated with the URL may be presented to the user in order to presentthe non-linear video content combined with the additional content in ahybrid fashion. The inserted/transmitted URL may be static, or the URLmay be dynamically updated based on one or more factors, such as time ofday, nature of the content available, or action by the user or contentprovider. Embodiments may be utilized on various types of viewingdevices including, without limitation, televisions, wired and wirelessviewing devices, mobile viewing devices (e.g., mobile telephones,netbooks, tablet or slate type computers, notebook computers, and laptopcomputers), or other hand held devices that may have browsercapabilities.

According to embodiments, given the interactive experience provided byvideo and other content available on the Internet and other sources,pressure has increased on advertisers, content creators, contentproviders, etc. to create compelling, engaging experiences that spandevices and content delivery systems. Embodiments provide for morein-depth content to be presented on the display device in associationwith the selected non-linear video content by providing Internet-basedcontent associated with a “being viewed” video content item, forexample, by providing information from a website of a provider of avideo content item so that a user may view video content and associatedwebsite information simultaneously.

For example, if a user is viewing a pre-recorded television videocontent presentation, such as a presentation provided by CNN on theuser's Internet capable television set, or computing device capable ofconnecting to Internet-based content there may be one or moreinteresting stories, news items, informational content items, and thelike available at an Internet-based website (e.g., CNN.com) associatedwith the “being viewed” content. According to embodiments, a URL atwhich the additional content may be located and accessed may be insertedinto the video stream or transmitted to the viewing device outside thevideo stream via various control, management, and system communicationmethods, and an indication of the availability of the additional and/orupdated content may be made to a user of the “being viewed” content. Asknown by those skilled in art, the various control, management, andsystem communication methods that may be used for the transmission ofthe URL to the viewing device may include but is not limited to out ofband data flow, inclusion in the metadata, service tag associated withchannel lineup data, and the like. Upon selection of an appropriatefunction button or control (e.g., via a remote control device,associated soft or hard keyboard, voice command, etc.), the non-linearvideo content may be blended with the content available via thetransmitted URL (e.g., CNN.com) so as to provide deeper, richer videoviewing experience as compared to traditional video content.

A given content provider may provide the non-linear content items andadditional content items in a variety of display configurations.Following from the above example, CNN may choose to scale their videoand place it in the top left corner of a display surface, align theirnews stories along the right side, and their video clips along thebottom. The user may, through a functionality control interface, forexample a remote control device, select a companion video clip,text-based news item, or the like to allow the user to operate within aninteractive environment that CNN has provided as part of their CNN.comexperience while the user is viewing the “being viewed” video content.

The video may be scaled on the viewing screen by the content owner orcontent provider etc. based on business agreements. According to anembodiment, the video may also be scaled due to arrangements between theuser and the content owner or content provider so as to provide the userwith third party content along with the “being viewed” video content ifhe/she wishes access to other content, for example, paid content (suchas the Video On Demand content) for free or at a discounted price, etc.For example, a user may get access to a pay-per-view video at a discountor at no charge if he/she accepts to consume the video content in hybridform where additional content (e.g. advertisements, sponsored contentfrom third parties, and the like) is displayed in association with thevideo content. According to another embodiment, the content owner or thecontent provider may also wish to leave the video full screen and justdisplay additional information along the bottom of the video (or othersuitable location) as an example of the interactive content.

Embodiments of the present invention may be applied to any videodecoding display device that can run an associated Internet browser aspart of the user interface application layer. For example, devices mayinclude, but are not limited to, a mobile communication device such as amobile phone, a computing device, such as a desktop computer, a laptopcomputer, etc., a wireless computing device, such as a tablet computingdevice, a television, such as an Internet-connected television or atelevision connected to a network-connected device, such as a set topbox (STB).

In many cases, a given television show or presentation, is associatedwith an Internet-based website or web page dedicated to the show orpresentation. Embodiments of the present invention bring thatinformation to the user to provide an interactive, deeper, viewingexperience upon user selection. The result may be a hybrid video viewingexperience that may include a blend of traditional non-linear videocontent with Internet-based or available content and services fromcontent providers and/or content owners, such as broadcasters, onlineproviders and CE manufacturers including digital video recording (DVR)providers, video-on-demand (VOD) providers, interactive advertising andcontent personalization providers, voting system providers, games andsocial networking, as well as, a variety of video programming-relatedcontent and services.

Consider, for example, if a user recorded an episode of a populartelevision show, the video stream that is recorded may include metadatathat in turn may identify or include additional interactive contentassociated with the recorded content. The additional interactive contentmay include various stories or information pertaining to the show orother content that may be available from the show content owner, contentprovider or other source. The additional content may be defined by a URLthat may be associated with the video stream. When the user requeststhat non-linear video content be played on the client device, thatrequest may be sent by the client device to a server along with a vieweridentifier. A viewer identifier may include various data, including butnot limited to, viewer's device information, demographic information,user profile, user's taste profile, user's viewing history, date/time,viewer location, etc. The additional interactive content available viathe associated URL may be dynamically updated based on the vieweridentifier, and information associated with the viewer identifier alongwith other content information (e.g. information about a sponsoredpromotional event) available to the content owners, content providersetc. may be analyzed so as to provide the user with personalizedadditional interactive content.

When a request is received to play the recorded non-linear content, theassociated URL that was recorded with the original linear video as partof the metadata may be analyzed to determine if the metadata has changed(e.g., whether a URL associated with the original URL has been replacedand/or updated). If the metadata has changed, the URL within themetadata may be updated and the new additional interactive comment maybe transmitted per the content provider's discretion. According to anembodiment, after the indication is received that the user may desire toview the recorded content in an interactive fashion, an option may beprovided to the user to allow the user to choose to consume thehistorical interactive content that was tagged at the time the linearvideo content was being streamed or to consume updated, real timeinteractive content, provided the historical metadata and the updatedmetadata are both available.

There may be times, when the user may actually wish to consume therecorded video content with historical metadata to get the linearviewing interactive experience. For example, when viewing prerecordedlive event, the user may like to experience the additional interactivecontent that was available at the time of the linear broadcast to getthe appropriate feel of the live event. For another example, when a userwatches a recorded show on the next day, a URL associated with that showmay be updated showing additional content based on the linear show thatmay be aired at that time. In such a case, if the URL is updated, theuser may not get a good interactive experience because the updatedadditional content may not match a context of the recorded show.

Alternatively, there may be times when the additional interactivecontent that may be recorded with the linear content, may includecertain event information or advertising pertaining to that linearbroadcast time. Those additional content items, defined via the URL, maynow be irrelevant considering that the user may be viewing the recordedcontent after the elapse of the event or the advertising offer. In suchcases, it may be important to provide an updated and refreshedadditional interactive content which may apply to the user based on hisviewer identifier as described above.

According to embodiments, the device used to view the non-linear contentsuch as a DVR recorder/player device or a VOD content delivery devicemay also provide the additional interactive content. For example, it maybe determined by an application server in view of the viewer identifierreceived for the user that the device used to view the content is amobile computing device such as a tablet computer or smartphone, thusthe additional interactive content that is transmitted may be tailoredto the specific device. For example, if a user is using device capableof electronic gaming to view his selected VOD content, the additionalinteractive content may include a game related to video content insteadof a video or the like.

These embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized,and structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit orscope of the present invention. The following detailed description istherefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of thepresent invention is defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents. Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals referto like elements throughout the several figures, embodiments of thepresent invention and an exemplary operating environment will bedescribed.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a system 100 for replacing andupdating content dynamic uniform resource locator (URL) and associatedcontent for non-linear video across one or more devices for providingadditional content in association with the non-linear video streamand/or companion applications as described above. Components of thesystem 100 may operate as a distributed system where each component isaccessed via a suitable network, or the components may operate togetheras an integrated system. As illustrated, content server 104, URL data105, guide data 106, local DVR subsystem, network DVR platform 103, andVOD server 102 may be provided. Content server 104 may include videocontent data and metadata available via a service provider, such ascable television (CATV) services system (as illustrated and describedbelow with reference to FIG. 6), satellite television provider, etc. oron the Internet such as YouTube®, Hulu®, etc. The data and metadata mayinclude information such as video content title, storyline, cast, genre,rating, release date, images, etc. Guide data 106 may include channelinformation, programming information, network information, etc. URL data105 may include interactive content or pointers to the interactivecontent on the internet associated with the non-linear content providedby the content owners' A, B or C servers 130 or content providers.Network DVR platform 103 may comprise various DVR recordings or pointersto various DVR recordings, recorded on the network DVR that may beavailable for viewing to the user. DVR recordings may also be storedlocally via a local DVR subsystem 107 connected to the set top boxattached to the TV 116. VOD server 102 may provide access to various VODcontent items, stored either within the VOD library 101 maintained bythe content provider, or the VOD content that may be available via theinternet. The association of the interactive content to the non-linearvideo may be based on time, which may be triggered at a specific pointof time in the non-linear video, based on content, and/or may be basedon action when the user switches to a particular video content item,etc.

As will be described further below, according to an embodiment, when theuser selectively requests the additional interactive content, an addressfield may be populated in a web browser associated with of the displaydevice, derived from the metadata, which may or may not be hidden to theuser. A web query then may be performed based on the transmitted websiteaddress, after which the website HTML experience may be downloaded andrendered to create a hybrid viewing experience (video and Internetcontent). According to an embodiment, the rendered experience may bepresented according to a variety of display configurations, includingscaling the “being viewed” video content in a video viewer inside theprovided Internet-based content, or the non-linear video may be managedby the content provider based on the content provider's businessagreements with content owners, CE manufacturers, third partyadvertisers, the user, etc.

VOD server 102, network DVR platform 103, content server 104, guide data106, and URL data 105 may be provided to a server 120 where a datamining engine 122 may be operable to analyze and sort the data andmetadata, associated URL data and metadata 105, and associate thechannel data and metadata 102,104, with the guide data 106. The URL data105 may be hidden or may be displayed to the user. The associatedchannel/guide data may be cached. The cache 124 is illustrated in FIG. 1as a remote element, but may be integrated with the server 120 or theclient application 108. As new information becomes available, theassociated channel/guide data may be updated in the cache 124.

According to one embodiment, the cached associated channel/guide datamay be specific to a user profile. The system 100 may include a dataservices system 126 which may comprise such information as billing data,permissions and authorization data, user profile data, etc., and itsdata may be stored in a user database 125. The data services system 126may be accessed by the data mining engine 122 for checking permissions,subscriptions, and profile data for associating channel and guide datato specific users.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, various endpoint devices may be utilized toaccess video content that can leverage HTML or web technologies todisplay video content with additional interactive content. For example,endpoint devices may include, but are not limited to, a mobilecommunication device 110, such as a mobile phone, a computing device112, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, etc., a wirelesscomputing device, such as a tablet computing device 114, a television116, such as an Internet-connected television or a television connectedto a network-connected device, such as a set top box (STB) 118. Anendpoint device 110,112,114,116 may be utilized to access a clientapplication 108.

The client application 108 may be operable to receive a request from auser for accessing associated URL data 105 and to transmit an associatedURL website address with a video service that can be displayed andrendered on a TV screen, in conjunction with the video service.

As illustrated and described below, an indication may be provided by theclient application 108 to the user in the form of an icon in a guidedisplay, a folder with a list view of non-linear video content itemswith associated additional interactive content or menu option that mayindicate the availability of interactive content, etc. There may also bea special button or other selectable control available on a remotecontrol or other suitable hard or soft key selection device which may beused to request interactive content based on availability. A secondaryscreen companion device such as a tablet with an associated contentprovision application may also be used to allow the request of theinteractive experience on the display screen such as the television 116.Other suitable means for interacting with and controlling available andreceived content includes touch command, voice command, gesture commandand combinations of various functionality interface methods and systems.

Once the user requests access of the additional interactive contentthrough any one of the above mechanisms, the non-linear video contentbeing played full screen may be overlaid or replaced by the contentavailable via associated website address (URL) that has been associatedwith the non-linear video content thus creating a web browser-typeexperience and providing the user with more interactive, additionalinformation and deeper and richer content from the content owner,content provider, third party sponsor or provider, etc.

The additional content may comprise updated information feeds from asocial media website associated with the “being viewed” video content,tailored advertisements, news items, other videos and the like that maybe of interest to the user based on user preferences, third partysponsored content, and the like. The associated channel/guide data/URLdata may be stored in a cache 124 located on the server 120, on theapplication 108, or may be located remotely and accessed via a network.

FIG. 2A illustrates a DVR user interface 200 with which programminginformation and user interaction may be provided. According toembodiments, the interactive content provided via a given URL (describedherein) may be provided via a DVR user interface as illustrated in FIG.2A. As should be appreciated, the DVR user interface 200 is for purposesof example only and is not exhaustive of other types and layouts of userinterfaces that may be used according to embodiments. Referring to theDVR user interface 200, a list may be provided wherein a listing of avariety of DVR recordings may be presented for user information and foruser selection. This list may be a combined list of the DVR recordingsstored in the local DVR subsystem 107 and the network DVR 103. Otherinformation (not numbered) may be provided in the DVR user interface200, for example, advertising information, content provider logos, andthe like.

According to embodiments, an indicating icon 202 may appear as anoverlay atop the DVR user interface 200 for indicating the availabilityof interactive content in association with one or more prerecordedcontent items provided or available via the DVR interface 200. As shouldbe appreciated, the icon 202 is for purposes of example only and is notexhaustive of the vast number of visual indicators that may be displayedto alert users of the availability of associated interactive content.For example, such an indication may be provided via a displayed banner,mosaic tile, audio alert, text string or the like. In addition, asecondary screen companion device, such as a tablet, with an applicationoperative for passing instructions for requesting interactive contentmay also be used to indicate availability of interactive content and toallow the request and initiation of the interactive experience on thedisplay screen such as the TV 116.

According to one embodiment, the icon 202 may serve as a selectablecontrol with which a user may request and initiate provision ofinteractive content in association with a URL associated with a givenvideo content item as described above. Selection of the icon 202 maycause a display in the guide of Internet-based information associatedwith the recorded video content that will enhance the user's consumptionof the video content as described herein. Alternatively, the icon 202may be provided in association with one of the content items listed inthe guide for providing Internet-based information associated with thelisted content item.

As should be appreciated, the icon 202 is but one example of aselectable functionality control that may be used to request informationassociated with a given URL. For example, a selectable control forrequesting the interactive content available via an associated URL maybe provided in a menu of options, or may be provided as a designatedbutton or key on a remote control device or on a hard or soft keyboardassociated with the viewing device (e.g., TV 116). In addition, anindication icon 202 may be used to alert a user of the availability ofinteractive content that may be requested via other means such as voiceor gesture activation.

FIG. 2B illustrates a VOD user interface 250 with which programminginformation and user interaction may be provided. According toembodiments, the interactive content provided via a given URL (describedherein) may be provided via a VOD user interface. As should beappreciated, the VOD user interface 250 is for purposes of example onlyand is not exhaustive of other types and layouts of user interfaces thatmay be used according to embodiments. Referring to the VOD userinterface 250, a list 260 is provided, wherein a listing of a variety ofVOD content items may be presented for user information and for userselection. Other information (not numbered) may be provided in the VODuser interface 250, for example, advertising information, contentprovider logos, and the like. As described above for the DVR userinterface, an indicating icon 202 may appear as an overlay atop the VODuser interface 250 for indicating the availability of interactivecontent in association with one or more prerecorded content itemsprovided or available via the VOD interface 250.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a full screen non-linear video display isillustrated in which non-linear video content is provided and for whicha URL may be associated for providing interactive content as describedherein. As with the DVR user interface 200 illustrated in FIG. 2A, anindicating icon 202 may be provided for indicating the availability ofinteractive content and one or more means (as described above) may beenabled for allowing selectable request of the associated interactivecontent. As described above for the DVR user interface 200 and the VODinterface 250, an indication of available interactive content may beprovided through various other means such as banners, mosaic tiles,audio alerts, text strings, or the like, or via a secondary screencompanion device, such as a tablet, with an application operative forpassing instructions for requesting interactive content may also be usedto indicate availability of interactive content and to allow the requestand initiation of the interactive experience on the display screen suchas the TV 116.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, after requesting Internet-based contentassociated with a URL associated with a video content item, as describedabove, a hybrid interactive video experience may be provided. Thisexperience is a result of downloading the associated URL with the hybridweb experience to the video display device. As can be appreciated, theadditional content may be displayed in a variety of different ways perthe discretion of the content owner, content provider, etc. For example,upon choosing to experience a given additional content associated withthe full screen video playing as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the hybriddisplay of non-linear video combined with the interactive additionalcontent may be presented to user as illustrated in FIG. 3B.

As should be appreciated, the hybrid interactive video experienceillustrated in FIG. 3B is for purposes of example and is not exhaustiveof the vast number of layouts that may be provided. That is, the displayscreen may be presented as an instance of a browser-type display where avariety of content items available via the associated URL may bedisplayed in various locations, and where the non-linear video 303(e.g., DVR or VOD content) from which the user requested the additionalinteractive content may be presented in a minimized embedded player withother additional content wrapped around it. Alternatively, eachadditional content item may be presented in one or more mosaic-typetiles that may be disposed on a display screen while a display of thenon-linear video is reduced accordingly. Alternatively, the hybridcontent illustrated in FIG. 3B may be provided via a browser within abrowser setup (one with the video content and another with theadditional content).

The additional content provided via the URL may comprise any number ofInternet-based content items, for example, a social website 301 for anassociated television show with real-time feeds, cast profiles,messaging, etc. Other content items may include featured upcoming eventinformation 302, various other sponsored shows previews 307, links toupcoming shows 308, program guides 306, links to other full lengthvideos 305 and other videos 309 (based on the user profiles and tastes,third party sponsorships, etc.), as well as, advertisements 304 or otheruseful or helpful information. All of the additional content illustratedin FIG. 3B may be navigable based on predetermined business rules ofcontent providers.

According to an embodiment, the associated URL may be automaticallyupdated based on time of day, content being played or based on actionfrom a user, content creator, content provider, third party contentprovider or sponsor, or the like. For example, if while the non-linearvideo is being presented to the user in a hybrid fashion, time for a 30second advertisement is encountered, the URL may be updated with anotherURL associated with the advertisement content owner. For example, if the30 second advertisement is related to sales of a popular automobile,then the URL may be updated to provide Internet-based content about theautomobile in association with a video advertisement for the automobile.As an example of a user action causing an update of the URL, a userselection of a social media content item presented via a transmitted URLmay cause a dynamic updating of the URL because information availablevia the selected social media site may have changed since the lastupdate of the URL. For another example, at certain times of day, forexample, a time of a close of business markets, a URL may beautomatically updated to reflect content changes occurring aroundcertain times.

Further, the content provider may also update the URL based on businessagreements in order to display an advertisement or other content basedon a scene being shown as part of the non-linear video embedded in theURL. For example, if the non-linear video may be playing a scene inwhich an exotic location may be shown, the content provider may updatethe URL associated with the non-linear video such that an advertisementof an exotic location resort may be presented as illustrated in FIG. 4.

Referring still to FIG. 4, the updated URL may have its own additionalcontent such as the social website comments 406 of people who may havevisited the example resort, community photos forum 405, other exoticlocations 404 that may belong to the same content owner or may besponsored by one or more sponsoring parties, other third partyadvertisements 401,403, other upcoming shows 402 information, etc.According to an embodiment, content providers may manage the additionalcontent described herein based on various business agreements in placewith the users, content owners, CE manufactures, etc.

FIG. 5A is a flow chart of a method 500 for replacing and updatingcontent URL for non-linear DVR video recordings across one or moredevices, according to an embodiment. The method 500 begins at OPERATION505 and proceeds to OPERATION 510 where an indication is received fromthe client application 108 that a user has requested to record a videocontent to a DVR device or system. The request may be made via atelevision set 116 connected to a set top box 118 or from other deviceswith browsing capabilities including but not limited to a tablet, alaptop, a smart phone, a smart TV, a desktop etc. Once the indication isreceived, the method 500 proceeds to OPERATION 515, where the linearcontent is recorded for later viewing. The video recording may be storedon a local DVR device via the local DVR subsystem 107 or on a networkDVR via the network DVR platform 103. The metadata associated with thelinear content may also be recorded which comprises of the additionalinteractive content defined by the URL, program titles, storylines, castinformation, genres, ratings, release dates, images, etc. A time stampmay also be tagged to indicate the metadata belonged to that particulartime.

The method 500, then proceeds to OPERATION 516, where an indication isreceived by the client application 108, indicating a user request toview a selected DVR content 225. Once the indication is received, themethod 500 proceeds to DECISION OPERATION 517, where a check isperformed to determine if the user has indicated to view the recordedvideo content in a traditional full screen form, or in an interactivehybrid form with additional interactive content associated with theselected DVR content 225 being made available along with the recordedvideo content.

If the user has not indicated to view the video content in theinteractive hybrid form, then the method 500 proceeds to OPERATION 518,where the recorded video content is displayed in the traditional fullscreen form. Alternatively, if a conclusion is made at the DECISIONOPERATION 517, that the user has requested to view the recorded videocontent in an interactive form, the method proceeds to OPERATION 520.The content data server 104 may take advantage of the fact that therequest to view the additional interactive content is coming from theuser who may be actively enjoying the content. When the recorded contentis requested in an interactive hybrid form, a viewer identifier may besent to the content data server 104, which may include various data,including but not limited to, viewer's demographic information, tasteprofile, time, location, viewing history, etc. This may enable thecontent in the associated URL to be dynamically updated based on time ofday, based on information about a promotional event based on user'staste preferences or location, etc.

At DECISION OPERATION 520, the metadata associated with the recordedcontent may be analyzed and a determination may be performed as towhether the metadata has changed or not (i.e., whether a URL associatedwith the content has been updated or replaced). It may be noted thatwhen the metadata is updated, the historical metadata which comprises ofthe historical additional interactive content may or may not beavailable. If a conclusion is derived that the metadata has changed, andprovided the historical metadata is available, the method 500 proceedsto DECISION OPERATION 522, where the user is provided with an option toconsume the video content with the updated metadata or not.

If the user decision is received indicating that he/she would not liketo update the metadata and would like to view the content withhistorical metadata associated with the selected video content 225, thenmethod 500 reverts back to OPERATION 525, and the video content isdisplayed in an interactive hybrid form with the historical metadataassociated with it (i.e., URL associated with the content when it wasoriginally recorded). For example, when a user records a live event suchas a sporting event for later viewing, he/she may wish to view therecorded video at a later time with historical metadata and get the truefeel of a live event even though the event may have already finished,and even though new updated additional interactive information may beavailable for that event.

Referring back to DECISION OPERATION 522, if the user desires to consumethe recorded video content in an interactive form with the updatedadditional interactive content, then the method 500 proceeds toOPERATION 527, where the recorded video content is played with theupdated additional interactive content enabling the hybrid videoexperience (i.e. non-linear content plus web experience). The historicmetadata that was downloaded at the time of recording the linear videomay be substituted, thereby leveraging the associated website that wasavailable when the linear content was recorded. The associated URL mayhave various elements such as the real-time feeds of a social websitefor a television show, various videos that may be sponsored by one ormore sponsoring parties, various sponsored events, advertisements, orother content that may be presented based on the user's profile.

As the user may be viewing the recorded content, being rendered in ahybrid interactive fashion, the method 500 proceeds to DECISIONOPERATION 532 where the user may decide to close the interactive contentand simply watch the recorded video content in a traditional full screendisplay. If at DECISION OPERATION 532, the user does choose to close theinteractive content and simply watch the recorded video content in atraditional full screen display, the method 500 proceeds to OPERATION530 where full screen display of the recorded DVR content may bedisplayed for the user to view in traditional form.

If the user does not choose the full screen option at DECISION OPERATION532, and instead decides to access the additional content by selecting alink to the additional interactive content displayed as part of thehybrid experience at OPERATION 535, the method 500 proceeds to OPERATION540, where a browsing type experience may be enabled for the user tonavigate through the additional content. The browsing type experiencemay be controlled by the content provider, content owner, etc. so thatthe user may not navigate away completely from the domain of the URL dueto one or more business rules. According to another embodiment, the usermay be allowed to experience full browsing, turning their display devicefrom a full screen non-linear video mode or a hybrid non-linear videoplus web mode to a complete web mode, wherein the user may navigatethrough any website or content which may not be in the domain of thecontent owner, content provider, third party sponsor, etc.

If the user does not select additional content provided by theinteractive URL, the method 500 proceeds to OPERATION 537 where the userstays in the rich and deeper hybrid mode, watching both the non-linearvideo and the additional content. At OPERATION 537, the URL dataassociated with the non-linear video content may automatically updateand advertisements or other content items may beinserted/transmitted/updated based on various factors as may bedetermined by the content provider, content owners etc. Some of thefactors may include, time of day, content (additional interactivecontent available or “being viewed” content), action by the user,certain upcoming events that may be sponsored by third parties which maybe of interest to the user as determined by the content owners, contentproviders, etc. The additional interactive content within the hybridexperience may also depend on the number of times the user has playedthe selected DVR recording 225. According to an embodiment, the URL maybe statically tied to a video recording such that whenever a contentitem is played, the same static URL associated with that content may bemade available to the user. Alternatively, the URL may be dynamic innature which means that it may be dynamically updated in real time, maybe redirected to a special edition webpage or may be updated duringadvertisement presentation boundary to provide the user with anadvertiser's additional interactive content as illustrated in FIG. 4.

Consider for example that a user is viewing the recorded non-linearvideo broadcast of CNN and there is an associated URL for that content,but the user is watching the broadcast in the traditional form (i.e., noadditional URL content). When the commercial break portion of therecorded non-linear video is being played, provided the user is notmanually forwarding it, the associated URL may be redirected to thehybrid website of the content owner of the advertisement. At that point,if the user initiates the interactive content, then the non-linear videodisplay may automatically switch to and load the advertisement andassociated hybrid web experience, and then once the commercial break isover, the display may switch back to the interactive web experience fromCNN.com. The associated URL may keep updating, as the non-linear videocontent keeps changing, as long as the user may explicitly select to goback to viewing the non-linear broadcast in the traditional full screenform.

According to another example, the video content may switch back to itsnon-linear full screen form when the user changes the selected recordedshow 225, and then the user may have to indicate the desire to watch therecorded content in the interactive fashion again for the new selectedrecorded DVR content if the interactive content exists for that channelbroadcast for the current selected video content (e.g., recorded show).According to yet another example, at a given time (e.g., at top of thehour), a new or updated associated URL may be triggered and retrievedfor the video content. If an updated or new URL is not available, then astatic URL for that video content may be transmitted by default.Embodiments may also provide for updating the associated URL in realtime so that as and/or when a new URL is associated with a non-linearvideo item, the URL is retrieved and rendered in real time to providemore updated interactive content for the user.

The method 500 ends at OPERATION 549.

FIG. 5B is a flow chart of a method 550 for replacing and updatingcontent URL for non-linear VOD content across one or more devices,according to an embodiment. The method 550 begins at OPERATION 552 andproceeds to OPERATION 554, where an indication may be received from auser to play VOD content. The method 550 then proceeds to OPERATION 556where traditional full screen video content may be rendered on theclient device. The method 550 may then proceed to OPERATION 558 where anindication may be provided to the user via the client application 108that an additional interactive content may be available for a specificVOD content 255. The indication may be provided as an icon on the VODuser interface 250 as illustrated in FIG. 2B. As can be appreciated, ifmore than one VOD content in the VOD content list 260 has additionalinteractive content associated with the VOD content, then each VODcontent item associated with interactive content may have an icon 202.

At DECISION OPERATION 560, the user may accept to consume the VODcontent in an interactive hybrid fashion, with additional interactivecontent associated with the VOD content displayed simultaneously withthe VOD content. As described above, according to an embodiment, theindication 202 may be displayed on full screen video display as shown inFIG. 3A or may be provided as a menu option, a pop up, a mosaic, abanner and the like. If at DECISION OPERATION 560, the user does notaccept to consume the VOD content in a hybrid form, then the methodreverts back to OPERATION 556 where full screen VOD content may berendered in a traditional manner.

If at DECISION OPERATION 560, the user does accept to consume the VODcontent in an interactive hybrid form, the method 550 proceeds toOPERATION 562, where the VOD content is presented to the user in aninteractive hybrid form simultaneously with the additional interactivecontent associated with the VOD content defined by an associated URL.

As the user may be viewing the recorded content being rendered in ahybrid interactive fashion, the method 550 proceeds to DECISIONOPERATION 564 where the user may decide to close the interactive contentto simply watch the VOD content in a traditional full screen display. Ifat DECISION OPERATION 564, the user does choose to close the interactivecontent to simply watch the recorded video content in a traditional fullscreen display, the method 550 proceeds to OPERATION 556 where fullscreen display of the VOD content may be displayed for the user to viewin traditional form.

If the user does not choose the full screen option at DECISION OPERATION564, and instead decides to access the additional content by selectingthe link to the additional interactive content displayed as part of thehybrid experience at OPERATION 566, the method 550 proceeds to OPERATION570, where a browsing type experience may be enabled for the user tonavigate through the additional content. The browsing type experiencemay be controlled by the content provider, content owner, etc. so thatthe user may not navigate away completely from the domain of the URL dueto one or more business rules. As mentioned earlier, according toanother embodiment, the user may be allowed to experience full browsing,turning their display device from a full screen non-linear video mode ora hybrid non-linear video plus web mode to a complete web mode, whereinthe user may navigate through any website or content which may not be inthe domain of the content owner, content provider, third party sponsor,etc.

If the user does not select additional content provided by theinteractive URL, the method 500 proceeds to OPERATION 568 where the userstays in the rich and deeper hybrid mode, watching both the non-linearvideo and the additional content. Also, at OPERATION 568, the URL dataassociated with the non-linear video content may automatically updateand advertisements or other content items areinserted/transmitted/updated, based on various factors as may bedetermined by the content provider, content owners, etc. Some of thefactors may include, time of day, content (additional interactivecontent available or non-linear video content), action by the user,location of the device which is used to view the content, certainupcoming events that may be sponsored by third parties which may be ofinterest to the user as determined by the content owners, contentproviders etc. The additional interactive content within the hybridexperience may also depend on the number of times the user has playedthe selected VOD content 255. According to an embodiment, the URL may bestatically tied to a video recording such that whenever a viewingcontent is played, the same static URL associated with that content maybe made available to the user. Alternatively, the URL may be dynamic innature which means that it may dynamically be updated in real time, maybe redirected to a special edition webpage or may be updated duringadvertisement presentation boundary to provide the user with theadvertiser's additional interactive content as illustrated in FIG. 4.

The method 550 ends at OPERATION 595.

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a cable televisionservices system 600 (hereafter referred to as “CATV”) architectureproviding an operating environment according to an embodiment. As shouldbe appreciated, a CATV services system 600 is but one of various typesof systems that may be utilized for providing an operating environmentfor providing dynamic URL transmission. Referring now to FIG. 6, digitaland analog video programming, information content and interactivetelevision services are provided via a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network615 to a television set 116 for consumption by a cabletelevision/services system customer. As is known to those skilled in theart, HFC networks 615 combine both optical fiber and coaxial cablelines. Typically, optical fiber runs from the cable head end 610 toneighborhoods of subscribers. Coaxial cable runs from the optical fiberfeeders to each customer or subscriber. The functionality of the HFCnetwork 615 allows for efficient bidirectional data flow between theclient-side set-top box 118 and the server-side application server 640of the embodiment.

The CATV system 600 is in the form of a distributed client-servercomputing system for providing video and data flow across the HFCnetwork 615 between server-side services providers (e.g., cabletelevision/services providers) via a server-side head end 610 and aclient-side customer via a client-side set-top box (STB) 118functionally connected to a customer receiving device, such as thetelevision set 116. As is understood by those skilled in the art, modernCATV systems 600 may provide a variety of services across the HFCnetwork 615 including traditional digital and analog video programming,telephone services, high speed Internet access, video-on-demand, andinformation services.

On the client side of the CATV system 600, digital and analog videoprogramming and digital and analog data are provided to the customertelevision set 116 via the set-top box (STB) 118. Interactive televisionservices that allow a customer to input data to the CATV system 600likewise are provided by the STB 118. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the STB118 is a multipurpose computing device having a computer processor,memory, and an input/output mechanism. The input/output mechanismreceives input from server-side processes via the HFC network 615 andfrom customers via input devices such as the remote control device 628,keyboard 630, or other computing device 112, such as a tablet/slatecomputer 114, smart phone 110, etc. The remote control device 628 andthe keyboard 630 may communicate with the STB 118 via a suitablecommunication transport such as the infrared connection 632. The remotecontrol device 628 may include a biometric input module 629. The STB 118also includes a video processor for processing and providing digital andanalog video signaling to the television set 116 via a cablecommunication transport 634. A multi-channel tuner is provided forprocessing video and data to and from the STB 118 and the server-sidehead end system 610, described below.

The STB 118 also includes an operating system 622 for directing thefunctions of the STB 118 in conjunction with a variety of clientapplications 625. For example, if a client application 625 requires anews flash from a third-party news source to be displayed on thetelevision 116, the operating system 622 may cause the graphicsfunctionality and video processor of the STB 118, for example, to outputthe news flash to the television 116 at the direction of the clientapplication 625 responsible for displaying news items.

Because a variety of different operating systems 622 may be utilized bya variety of different brands and types of set-top boxes, a middlewarelayer 624 may be provided to allow a given software application to beexecuted by a variety of different operating systems. According to anembodiment, the middleware layer 624 may include a set of applicationprogramming interfaces (APIs) that are exposed to client applications625 and operating systems 622 that allow the client applications tocommunicate with the operating systems through common data callsunderstood via the API set. As described below, a correspondingmiddleware layer is included on the server side of the CATV system 600for facilitating communication between the server-side applicationserver and the client-side STB 118. The middleware layer 642 of theserver-side application server and the middleware layer 624 of theclient-side STB 118 may format data passed between the client side andserver side according to the Extensible Markup Language (XML).

According to one embodiment, the set-top box 118 passes digital andanalog video and data signaling to the television 116 via a one-waycommunication transport 634. According to other embodiments, two-waycommunication transports may be utilized, for example, via highdefinition multimedia (HDMI) ports. The STB 118 may receive video anddata from the server side of the CATV system 600 via the HFC network 615through a video/data downlink and data via a data downlink. The STB 118may transmit data from the client side of the CATV system 600 to theserver side of the CATV system 600 via the HFC network 615 via one datauplink. The video/data downlink is an “in band” downlink that allows fordigital and analog video and data signaling from the server side of theCATV system 600 through the HFC network 615 to the set-top box 118 foruse by the STB 118 and for distribution to the television set 116. As isunderstood by those skilled in the art, the “in band” signaling spaceoperates at a relative high frequency, e.g., between 54 and 1000megahertz. The signaling space is generally divided into 6 megahertzchannels in which may be transmitted as a single analog signal or agreater number (e.g., ten) of digital signals.

The data downlink and the data uplink, illustrated in FIG. 6, betweenthe HFC network 615 and the set-top box 118 comprise “out of band” datalinks. As is understand by those skilled in the art, the “out of band”frequency range is generally at a lower frequency than “in band”signaling. For example, the “out of band” frequency range may be betweenzero and 54 megahertz. Data flow between the client-side set-top box 118and the server-side application server 640 is typically passed throughthe “out of band” data links. Alternatively, an “in band” data carouselmay be positioned in an “in band” channel into which a data feed may beprocessed from the server-side application server 640 through the HFCnetwork 615 to the client-side STB 118. Operation of data transportbetween components of the CATV system 600, described with reference toFIG. 6, is well known to those skilled in the art.

Referring still to FIG. 6, the head end 610 of the CATV system 600 ispositioned on the server side of the CATV system and includes hardwareand software systems responsible for originating and managing contentfor distributing through the HFC network 615 to client-side STBs 118 forpresentation to customers via televisions 116. As described above, anumber of services may be provided by the CATV system 600, includingdigital and analog video programming, interactive television services,telephone services, video-on-demand services, targeted advertising, andprovision of information content.

The application server 640 is a general-purpose computing systemoperative to assemble and manage data sent to and received from theclient-side set-top box 118 via the HFC network 615. As described abovewith reference to the set-top box 118, the application server 640includes a middleware layer 642 for processing and preparing data fromthe head end of the CATV system 600 for receipt and use by theclient-side set-top box 118. For example, the application server 640 viathe middleware layer 642 may obtain data from third-party services 646via the Internet 644 for transmitting to a customer through the HFCnetwork 615 and the set-top box 118. For example, content metadata athird-party content provider service may be downloaded by theapplication server via the Internet 644. When the application server 640receives the downloaded content metadata, the middleware layer 642 maybe utilized to format the content metadata for receipt and use by theset-top box 118. Therefore, content metadata may be sent and categorizedbased on the availability to the customer's program guide data.

According to one embodiment, data obtained and managed by the middlewarelayer 642 of the application server 640 is formatted according to theExtensible Markup Language and is passed to the set-top box 118 throughthe HFC network 615 where the XML-formatted data may be utilized by aclient application 625 in concert with the middleware layer 624, asdescribed above. As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, avariety of third-party services data, including news data, weather data,sports data and other information content may be obtained by theapplication server 640 via distributed computing environments such asthe Internet 644 for provision to customers via the HFC network 615 andthe set-top box 118. According to embodiments, client application 640may include the client application 108 described herein.

According to embodiments, the application server 640 obtains customersupport services data, including billing data, information on customerwork order status, answers to frequently asked questions, servicesprovider contact information, and the like from data services 126 forprovision to the customer via an interactive television session. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, the services provider data services 126 include anumber of services operated by the services provider of the CATV system600 which may include data on a given customer.

A billing system 662 may include information such as a customer's name,street address, business identification number, Social Security number,credit history, and information regarding services and productssubscribed to by the customer. According to embodiments, the billingsystem 662 may also include billing data for services and productssubscribed to by the customer for bill processing, billing presentmentand payment receipt.

A customer information database 668 may include general informationabout customers such as place of employment, business address, businesstelephone number, and demographic information such as age, gender,educational level, and the like. The customer information database 668may also include information on pending work orders for services orproducts ordered by the customer. The customer information database 668may also include general customer information such as answers tofrequently asked customer questions and contact information for variousservice provider offices/departments. As should be understood, thisinformation may be stored in a variety of disparate databases operatedby the cable services provider.

Referring still to FIG. 6, web services system 650 is illustratedbetween the application server 640 and the data services 126. Accordingto embodiments, web services system 650 serves as a collection point fordata requested from each of the disparate data services systemscomprising the data services 126. According to embodiments, when theapplication server 640 requires customer services data from one or moreof the data services 126, the application server 640 passes a data queryto the web services system 650. The web services system formulates adata query to each of the available data services systems for obtainingany required data for a requesting customer as identified by a set-topbox identification associated with the customer. The web services system650 serves as an abstraction layer between the various data servicessystems and the application server 640. That is, the application server640 is not required to communicate with the disparate data servicessystems, nor is the application server 640 required to understand thedata structures or data types utilized by the disparate data servicessystems. The web services system 650 is operative to communicate witheach of the disparate data services systems for obtaining necessarycustomer data. The customer data obtained by the web services system isassembled and is returned to the application server 640 for ultimateprocessing via the middleware layer 642, as described above.

An authentication system 666 may include information such as secure usernames, subscriber profiles, subscriber IDs, and passwords utilized bycustomers for access to network services. As should be understood bythose skilled in the art, the disparate systems 650, 662, 666, 668 maybe integrated or provided in any combination of separate systems,wherein FIG. 6 shows only one example.

FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram illustrating example physicalcomponents of a computing device 700 with which embodiments may bepracticed. In some embodiments, one or a combination of the components108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126 of system 100 may beimplemented using one or more computing devices like the computingdevice 700. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments,components 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126 of system100 may be implemented using computing devices having hardwarecomponents other than those illustrated in the example of FIG. 7.

Computing devices may be implemented in different ways in differentembodiments. For instance, in the example of FIG. 7, the computingdevice 700 includes a processing system 704, memory 702, a networkinterface 706, a secondary storage device 708, an input device 710, avideo interface 712, a display unit 714, and a communication medium 716.In other embodiments, the computing device 700 may be implemented usingmore or fewer hardware components (e.g., a video interface, a displayunit, or an input device) or in combination with other types of computersystems and program modules 726.

The memory 702 includes one or more computer-readable storage mediacapable of storing data and/or computer-executable instructions.According to one embodiment, the client application 108 may be storedlocally on computing device 700. Memory 702 thus may store thecomputer-executable instructions that, when executed by processor 704,cause the client application 108 to allow users to jump to desiredchannels by entering a request based information such as channel name,logo, call letter, or programs as described above with reference toFIGS. 1-6.

In various embodiments, the memory 702 is implemented in various ways.For example, the memory 702 can be implemented as various types ofcomputer-readable storage media. Example types of computer-readablestorage media include, but are not limited to, solid state memory, flashmemory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), double data ratesynchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3SDRAM, read-only memory (ROM), reduced latency DRAM,electrically-erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), and other types ofdevices and/or articles of manufacture that store data.

The term computer-readable storage medium may also refer to devices orarticles of manufacture that store data and/or computer-executableinstructions readable by a computing device. The term computer-readablestorage media encompasses volatile and nonvolatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in various methods or technologies forstorage and retrieval of information. Such information can include datastructures, program modules, computer-executable instructions, or otherdata.

The processing system 704 includes one or more processing units, whichmay include tangible integrated circuits that selectively executecomputer-executable instructions. In various embodiments, the processingunits in the processing system 704 are implemented in various ways. Forexample, the processing units in the processing system 704 can beimplemented as one or more processing cores. In this example, theprocessing system 704 can comprise one or more Intel Coremicroprocessors. In another example, the processing system 704 cancomprise one or more separate microprocessors. In yet another exampleembodiment, the processing system 704 can comprise Application-SpecificIntegrated Circuits (ASICs) that provide specific functionality. In yetanother example, the processing system 704 provides specificfunctionality by using an ASIC and by executing computer-executableinstructions.

The computing device 700 may be enabled to send data to and receive datafrom a communication network via a network interface card 706. Indifferent embodiments, the network interface card 706 is implemented indifferent ways, such as an Ethernet interface, a token-ring networkinterface, a fiber optic network interface, a wireless network interface(e.g., Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, etc.), or another type of network interface. Thenetwork interface may allow the device to communicate with otherdevices, such as over a wireless network in a distributed computingenvironment, a satellite link, a cellular link, and comparablemechanisms. Other devices may include computer device(s) that executecommunication applications, storage servers, and comparable devices.

The secondary storage device 708 includes one or more computer-readablestorage media, and may store data and computer-executable instructionsnot directly accessible by the processing system 704. That is, theprocessing system 704 performs an I/O operation to retrieve data and/orcomputer-executable instructions from the secondary storage device 708.In various embodiments, the secondary storage device 708 can beimplemented as various types of computer-readable storage media, such asby one or more magnetic disks, magnetic tape drives, CD-ROM discs,DVD-ROM discs, BLU-RAY discs, solid state memory devices, and/or othertypes of computer-readable storage media.

The input device 710 enables the computing device 700 to receive inputfrom a user. Example types of input devices include, but are not limitedto, keyboards, mice, trackballs, stylus input devices, key pads,microphones, joysticks, touch-sensitive display screens, and other typesof devices that provide user input to the computing device 700.

The video interface 712 outputs video information to the display unit714. In different embodiments, the video interface 712 is implemented indifferent ways. For example, the video interface 712 is a videoexpansion card. In another example, the video interface 712 isintegrated into a motherboard of the computing device 700. In variousembodiments, the display unit 714 can be a an LCD display panel, atouch-sensitive display panel, an LED screen, a projector, a cathode-raytube display, or another type of display unit. In various embodiments,the video interface 712 communicates with the display unit 714 invarious ways. For example, the video interface 712 can communicate withthe display unit 714 via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, a VGAconnector, a digital visual interface (DVI) connector, an S-Videoconnector, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface, aDisplayPort connector, or another type of connection.

The communications medium 716 facilitates communication among thehardware components of the computing device 700. In differentembodiments, the communications medium 716 facilitates communicationamong different components of the computing device 700. For instance, inthe example of FIG. 7, the communications medium 716 facilitatescommunication among the memory 702, the processing system 704, thenetwork interface card 706, the secondary storage device 708, the inputdevice 710, and the video interface 712. In different embodiments, thecommunications medium 716 is implemented in different ways, such as aPCI bus, a PCI Express bus, an accelerated graphics port (AGP) bus, anInfiniband interconnect, a serial Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA)interconnect, a parallel ATA interconnect, a Fiber Channel interconnect,a USB bus, a Small Computing system Interface (SCSI) interface, oranother type of communications medium.

The memory 702 stores various types of data and/or softwareinstructions. For instance, in the example of FIG. 7, the memory 702stores a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) 718, and an operating system720. The BIOS 718 includes a set of software instructions that, whenexecuted by the processing system 704, cause the computing device 700 toboot up. The operating system 720 includes a set of softwareinstructions that, when executed by the processing system 704, cause thecomputing device 700 to provide an operating system that coordinates theactivities and sharing of resources of the computing device 700. Thememory 702 also stores one or more application programs 722 that, whenexecuted by the processing system 704, cause the computing device 700 toprovide applications to users, for example, the client application 108.The memory 702 also stores one or more utility programs 724 that, whenexecuted by the processing system 704, cause the computing device 700 toprovide utilities to other software programs.

Embodiments of the present invention may be utilized in variousdistributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remoteprocessing devices that are linked through a communications network in adistributed computing environment.

FIGS. 8A-B illustrate a suitable mobile computing environment, forexample, a mobile computing device 110, a smart phone, a tablet personalcomputer 114, a laptop computer 112, and the like, with whichembodiments may be practiced. The mobile computing device 800 isillustrative of any suitable device operative to send, receive andprocess wireless communications according to embodiments of the presentinvention. A display screen 805 is operative for displaying a variety ofinformation such as information about incoming and outgoingcommunications, as well as, a variety of data and displayable objects,for example, text, alphanumeric data, photographs, and the like.

Data input to the device 800 may be performed via a variety of suitablemeans, such as, touch screen input via the display screen 805, keyboardor keypad input via a data entry area 810, key input via one or moreselectable buttons or controls 815, voice input via a microphone 818disposed on the device 800, photographic input via a camera 825functionality associated with the mobile computing device, or any othersuitable input means. Data may be output via the device 800 via anysuitable output means, including but not limited to, display on thedisplay screen 805, audible output via an associated speaker 830 orconnected earphone system, vibration module for providing tactileoutput, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 8B, operational unit 835 is illustrative ofinternal operating functionality of the mobile computing device 800. Aprocessor 840 is illustrative of a general purpose computer processorfor processing incoming and outgoing data and communications andcontrolling operation of the device and associated software applicationsvia a mobile computing device operating system. Memory 845 may beutilized for storing a device operating system, device programming, oneor more stored applications, for example, mobile telephone applications,data processing applications, calculators, games, Internet browsingapplications, navigation applications, acceleration applications, cameraand/or video applications, etc. According to one embodiment, the clientapplication 108 may be stored locally on mobile computing device 800.

Mobile computing device 800 may contain an accelerometer 855 fordetecting acceleration, and can be used to sense orientation, vibration,and/or shock. Mobile computing device 800 may contain a globalpositioning system (GPS) system (e.g., GPS send/receive functionality)860. A GPS system 860 uses radio waves to communicate with satellitesorbiting the Earth. Some GPS-enabled mobile computing devices usewireless-assisted GPS to determine a user's location, wherein the deviceuses orbiting GPS satellites in conjunction with information about thedevice's mobile phone signal. Radio functions 850 include all requiredfunctionality, including onboard antennae, for allowing the device 800to communicate with other communication devices and systems via awireless network. Radio functions 850 may be utilized to communicatewith a wireless or WIFI-based positioning system to determine a device's800 location.

Although described herein in combination with mobile computing device800, in alternative embodiments the invention may be used in combinationwith any number of computer systems, such as in desktop environments,laptop or notebook computer systems, multiprocessor systems,micro-processor based or programmable consumer electronics, networkedPCs, mini computers, main frame computers and the like. Embodiments ofthe present invention may be utilized in various distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network in a distributed computingenvironment, and where programs may be located in both local and remotememory storage.

Embodiments, for example, are described above with reference to blockdiagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, andcomputer program products according to embodiments. The functions/actsnoted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchartor described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-8. For example, twoprocesses shown or described in succession may in fact be executedsubstantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed inthe reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

While certain embodiments have been described, other embodiments mayexist. Furthermore, although embodiments have been described as beingassociated with data stored in memory and other storage mediums, datamay also be stored on or read from other types of computer-readablestorage media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks,floppy disks, a CD-ROM, or other forms of RAM or ROM. Further, thedisclosed processes may be modified in any manner, including byreordering and/or inserting or deleting a step or process, withoutdeparting from the embodiments.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiment of the inventionhas been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. Itis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be limited not with this detailed description, but rather bythe claims appended hereto.

We claim:
 1. A method for updating a URL associated with recorded videocontent, the method comprising: providing a recording device having aprocessor for recording and playback of content items and providing auser interface comprising a list of recorded content items for playback;recording a non-linear video content item including additionalinteractive content on the recording device, wherein the additionalinteractive content is defined by an original URL recorded at a time ofthe recording of the non-linear video content item as part of historicmetadata associated with the recorded non-linear video content item andis available upon selecting the original URL when playing the non-linearvideo content item from the recording device; providing, within thelist, the non-linear video content item and an indication ofavailability of the additional interactive content; in response toreceiving a request to play the recorded non-linear video content item,determining that the historic metadata has changed, wherein at least aportion of the historic metadata that has changed includes the originalURL defining the additional interactive content; following thedetermination that the original URL has changed, providing selectableoptions to a user via the user interface to view the non-linear videocontent item with updated additional interactive content defined by anupdated URL or to view the non-linear video content item with theadditional interactive content defined by the original URL; receiving aselection from the user to view the non-linear video content item withthe updated additional interactive content defined by the updated URL;and providing the updated additional interactive content defined by theupdated URL for display in association with the recorded non-linearvideo content item being viewed by substituting the original URL withthe updated URL, wherein the additional interactive content associatedwith the recorded non-linear video content item upon recording to therecording device is no longer available and the updated additionalinteractive content is available upon selecting the updated URL whileplaying the recorded non-linear video content item from the recordingdevice.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a vieweridentifier wherein receiving the viewer identifier comprises receivingone or more of: a user's taste preferences; a user's location; a user'sdemographics; a user's viewing history; or a user's device.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, further comprising analyzing the additionalinteractive content defined by the original URL based on the vieweridentifier and the non-linear video content item.
 4. The method of claim1, further comprising updating the additional interactive contentdefined by the original URL based on one or more of: business rules;agreements with customers; agreements with content owners; upcomingevents; or sponsored events.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving an indication of new additional interactivecontent associated with the non-linear video content item; anddynamically updating the additional interactive content defined by theoriginal URL.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determininga viewing device type; and displaying the additional interactive contentin a format optimized for the determined viewing device type.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein providing the indication of availability ofthe additional interactive content comprises providing the indicationvia one or more of: a menu option; an icon display in a non-linearcontent item display area; an icon overlaid on a guide interface; or afolder with a list view of non-linear video content items comprising theadditional interactive content.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinproviding the indication of availability of the additional interactivecontent comprises: continuing to provide the additional interactivecontent until an indication of a selection of another interactivecontent item is received; and enabling a browsing experience of theadditional interactive content.
 9. The method of claim 8, whereinenabling the browsing experience of the additional interactive contentcomprises enabling browsing limited to one or more predetermineddomains.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining thatthe historic metadata associated with the recorded non-linear videocontent item has changed in response to receiving an indication of achange in the non-linear video content item or an indication of anupdate to the original URL.
 11. A system for updating a URL associatedwith recorded video content, the system comprising: a recording devicehaving a memory storage; and one or more processing units coupled to thememory storage of the recording device, wherein the processing unit(s)are operable to: record and playback a non-linear video content itemcomprising additional interactive content, wherein the additionalinteractive content is defined by an original URL recorded at a time ofthe recording of the non-linear video content item as part of historicmetadata associated with the recorded non-linear video content item andis available upon selecting the original URL when playing the non-linearvideo content item from the recording device; provide, within a list ofrecorded content items for playback, the non-linear video content itemand an indication of availability of the additional interactive content;in response to receipt of a request to play the recorded non-linearvideo content item, determine that the historic metadata has changed,wherein at least a portion of the historic metadata that has changedincludes the original URL defining the additional interactive content;following the determination that the original URL has changed, provideselectable options to a user via a user interface to either view thenon-linear video content item with updated additional interactivecontent defined by an updated URL or to view the non-linear videocontent item with the additional interactive content defined by theoriginal URL; receive a selection from the user to view the non-linearvideo content item with the updated additional interactive contentdefined by the updated URL; and provide the updated additionalinteractive content defined by the updated URL for display inassociation with the recorded non-linear video content item being viewedby substituting the original URL with the updated URL, wherein theadditional interactive content associated with the recorded non-linearvideo content item upon recording to the recording device is no longeravailable and the updated additional interactive content is availableupon selecting the updated URL while playing the recorded non-linearvideo content item from the recording device.
 12. The system of claim11, wherein the one or more processing units are further operable toanalyze the additional interactive content defined by the original URLbased on: the non-linear video content item; and a viewer identifierincluding one or more of: a user's taste preferences; a user's location;a user's demographics; a user's viewing history; or a user's device. 13.The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more processing units arefurther operable to update the additional interactive content defined bythe original URL based on one or more of: business rules; agreementswith customers; agreements with content owners; upcoming events; orsponsored events.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or moreprocessing units are further operable to: receive an indication of newadditional interactive content associated with the non-linear videocontent item; and dynamically update the additional interactive contentdefined by the original URL.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the oneor more processing units are further operable to: determine a viewingdevice type; and display the additional interactive content in a formatoptimized for the determined viewing device type.
 16. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the one or more processing units are further operableto provide the indication of availability of the additional interactivecontent, wherein the indication is: a menu option; an icon display in anon-linear content item display area; an icon overlaid on a guideinterface; or a folder with a list view of non-linear video contentitems comprising the additional interactive content.
 17. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the one or more processing units, in providing theadditional interactive content, are further operable to: continue toprovide the additional interactive content until an indication of aselection of another interactive content item is received; and enable abrowsing experience of the additional interactive content limited to oneor more predetermined domains.
 18. A computer readable storage devicehaving computer-executable instructions for providing dynamic URLtransmission, wherein the instructions are executed by a computerprocessor comprising the steps of: providing a recording device having aprocessor for recording and playing back content items and providing auser interface comprising a list of recorded content items for playback;recording a non-linear video content item comprising additionalinteractive content on the recording device, wherein the additionalinteractive content is defined by an original URL recorded at a time ofthe recording of the non-linear video content item as part of historicmetadata associated with the recorded non-linear video content item andis available upon selecting the original URL when playing the non-linearvideo content item from the recording device; providing, within thelist, the non-linear video content item and an indication ofavailability of the additional interactive content; in response toreceiving a request to play the recorded non-linear video content item,determining that the historic metadata has changed, wherein at least aportion of the historic metadata that has changed includes the originalURL defining the additional interactive content; following thedetermination that the original URL has changed, providing selectableoptions to a user via the user interface to either view the non-linearvideo content item with updated additional interactive content definedby an updated URL or to view the non-linear video content item with theadditional interactive content defined by the original URL; receiving aselection from the user to view the non-linear video content item withthe updated additional interactive content defined by the updated URL;and providing the updated additional interactive content defined by theupdated URL for display in association with the recorded non-linearvideo content item being viewed by substituting the original URL withthe updated URL, wherein the additional interactive content associatedwith the recorded non-linear video content item upon recording to therecording device is no longer available and the updated additionalinteractive content is available upon selecting the updated URL whileplaying the recorded non-linear video content item from the recordingdevice.